NutraNews - DSM Nutritional Products newsletter 3/2012

Vitamin D – ‘The Sunshine Vitamin’
As we celebrate the 100 th anniversary of
vitamins, let us call to mind the crucial role
they play in our health and wellbeing.
Vitamin D, known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’,
is crucially important to both human and
animal health.
The main benefits of vitamin D include:
• Bone health – improves bone mineral
density and is crucial in aiding calcium
absorption;
• Muscle strength – allows the maintenance
of normal muscle function;
• Immune system support.
A ‘bright’ nutrient for human health
Unlike other types of vitamins which are
primarily acquired through dietary sources, the
major source for vitamin D is the sun. This may
lead to deficiency, particularly as vitamin D is
not abundant in food. The main food sources of
Vitamin D are sardines, salmon, mackerel,
meat, milk and eggs. However, one would need
to consume around 40 eggs per day to meet
the recommended daily intake.
Vitamin D deficiency is thought to be the most
common medical condition in the world today,
and is a major health challenge globally. It can
lead to rickets or osteoporosis – a condition
that reduces the quality and density of the
bones, which in turn may increase the risk of
falling and of subsequent bone fractures. More
recently, evidence of additional health
benefits associated with vitamin D have
emerged, including enhancement of the
immune system, reduction of blood pressure,
and lowering the risk of diseases including
colon cancer and multiple sclerosis.
Colophon
NutraNews is published quarterly by DSM Nutritional Products Ltd. P.O. Box 2676, Building 241, 4002 Basel, Switzerland.
Editorial Board: S. Adamietz, K. Cselovszky, C. Frederiksen, C. Hafner, A. Hehir, D. Laue
Designer: V-One Design Solutions Ltd, Dunstable, United Kingdom
Translation: transparent ® Language Solutions GmbH, Berlin, Germany
Printer: Burger Druck, Waldkirch, Germany
The NutraNews team welcomes comments and suggestions: nutranews.dnp@dsm.com
www.nutranews.com © DSM Nutritional Products Ltd. 2012
Disclaimer: Although DSM has used diligent care to ensure that the information provided herein is accurate and up to date, DSM makes no representation or warranty of the accuracy,
reliability, or completeness of the information. This brochure only contains scientific and technical information for business to business use. Country or region-specific information
should also be considered when labelling or advertising to final consumers. This publication does not constitute or provide scientific or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is
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contact your local DSM representative for more details. All trademarks listed in this brochure are either registered trademarks or trademarks of DSM in The Netherlands and/or other
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8
NutraNews | No. 3: 2012
The elderly are one group at greater risk of
deficiency, as they have a reduced capacity to
synthesize vitamin D in the skin through
exposure to sunlight. Infants, the overweight or
obese, vegetarians and people who are
home-bound are also potentially at risk of
vitamin D deficiency. To avoid the adverse
effects of vitamin D deficiency and capitalize
on its benefits, both researchers and medical
experts recommend supplementation of the
diet. In addition, several major developed
nations have recently announced significant
increases in their daily intake recommendations
for this vital nutrient, a potent reminder that all
age groups of all populations should make
sure they are getting enough vitamin D.
Optimizing animal health
Vitamin D is essential not only for humans, but
also for animals. Vitamin D and its metabolites
DSM and the International Osteoporosis
Foundation (IOF) have joined forces to
launch an interactive global map on vitamin
D deficiency. The
aim of this initiative,
launched in
September, is to
illustrate vitamin D
status worldwide
and raise awareness
among policymakers
and the
public at large of
vitamin D
insufficiency and
the need for action.
The map, based on scientific evidence,
shows that there levels of vitamin D vary
greatly between countries. Contrary to
popular belief, warmer countries are not
give poultry, for example, the boost they need
to cope with the challenges of modern poultry
farming. Vitamin D also enables the birds to
develop better skeletal strength, stronger eggs
and healthier chicks, and to deliver better
breeding results. Healthier animals mean
healthier people. Scientific studies have
demonstrated a direct link between optimum
vitamin nutrition for farm animals and the
nutritional value of food of animal origin. For
example, the vitamin content in eggs is directly
related to the vitamin content in the hen’s diet.
This means that when hens are given more
vitamins, they lay more nutritious eggs.
Vitamin D plays an important role in human
and animal health. Meeting the daily
recommended intake levels is essential to
prevent diseases, reduce healthcare costs,
and improve quality of life.
Interactive global map on vitamin D
deficiency launched
immune to vitamin D deficiency. The elderly
are particularly affected. With an ageing
population and higher life expectancy, the
Vitamin D status (> 18 year olds) around the world
When available, winter values were used to calculate the
mean 250HD levels.
situation is likely
to deteriorate if the
challenge of
inadequate vitamin
D availability is not
addressed in a
timely manner.
Insufficient levels
of vitamin D have a
significant impact
on human health
and may lead to rickets in children and
osteoporosis and a subsequent risk of
falling and fractures in the elderly (or adults).
It also has an adverse economic impact as it
causes healthcare costs to increase.